Authors:
Maryam Alavi
1
;
Steven L. Johnson
2
and
Youngjin Yoo
2
Affiliations:
1
Emory University, United States
;
2
Temple University, United States
Keyword(s):
Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) Applications and Use, Organizational Impacts of KMS, KMS in Medical Settings.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Artificial Intelligence
;
Impact Measurement of Knowledge Management
;
KM Strategies and Implementations
;
Knowledge Management and Information Sharing
;
Knowledge Management Projects
;
Knowledge-Based Systems
;
Symbolic Systems
Abstract:
Use of Information Technology (IT) to facilitate storage, search and access to codified knowledge can enhance organizational performance. Considering the knowledge intensive nature of medical decision making, use of knowledge management systems (KMS) can potentially enhance delivery of patient care. This paper reports on a field study that investigated the impact of use of a KMS by emergency physicians on their decision making behaviors (admission of patients for in-hospital care) and efficiency of care. The findings indicate that in the emergency room (ER) under study, the use of a KMS for placing diagnostic orders resulted in lower hospital admissions, cost savings, and a shorter ER stay.